The Pervasive Problem of Water Pollution

Honors Students:

We are about to begin a project on water pollution. You may think that water pollution is a problem of the past -- we passed the Clean Water Act, we have the EPA, shouldn't it all be taken care of now?

Unfortunately this is not the case, water pollution is as real a problem now as it ever was. And it is problem with many sources that manifests itself in many ways.

To begin this project, here is an overview of some very real water pollutions stories, some from the past and some that are very current.

The Cuyahoga River Fire:
In 1969, the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland, Ohio caught fire. Wastewater run-off and uncontrolled pollution from the industries and facturies that bordered the river has left the surface of the water slick with oil and debris. Eventually the flammable oil slick caught fire. The fire only lasted for 30 minutes, but it was enough to raise awareness about the seriousness of water pollution. Today, thanks to the the clean water act and the work of many volunteer organizations, the river is once again a healthy ecosystem for animals, plants and people.


Polluted Drinking Water:

In addition to the Clean Water Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act was passed to help regulate water pollution. However, 35 years later, it is outdated enough to be largely ineffective. In 2009, reporter Charles Duhigg prepared a series for the New York Times addressing the issue of water pollution called Toxic Waters. The series covers the wide variety of water issues that we face today.












Gulf Oil Spill Leads to Fish Kill:
Even though the leak has been capped, the effects of the Gulf Oil Spill are still being seen. We don't know how long the oil spill will effect the health of the Gulf of Mexico, but if we can learn anything from the Exxon Valdez spill, oil will be present in the Gulf for quite awhile.






Water Pollution Close To Home:

New Gulf of Maine Restoration Plan Carries Hefty Price Tag

As early as last night, MPBN reported on some very serious water pollution issues here in Southern Maine. Due to outdated sewage systems and water treatment plants, sewage run-off often flows into Casco Bay. It's effects are many, from ecological, to economical.

Arsenic Contamination in Maine's Private Wells More Extensive Than Expected

In addition to ocean water pollution, many communities in Southern Maine are afflicted by arsenic contamination in their well water. This problem is of particular concern because arsenic is odorless, tasteless and colorless and people can unsuspectingly consume contaminated water for years.